Q. How is irregular heart beat diagnosed by healthcare professionals?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Irregular heart beats, often called arrhythmias, can be diagnosed by healthcare professionals through a series of steps and tests. It's essential to pinpoint the cause and determine the most suitable treatment. Here's how it's done:
1. Medical History: Your journey starts with a chat. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, family history, and any underlying health conditions. This helps to narrow down the possibilities.
2. Physical Examination: A thorough check-up is conducted to detect any physical signs related to irregular heart beats, such as an irregular pulse or unusual heart sounds.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This is the go-to test. It records your heart's electrical activity. Electrodes attached to your skin pick up signals, and the results are displayed as waves on a screen. Irregularities become visible.
4. Holter Monitor: Sometimes, irregular heart beats are sporadic. In such cases, a Holter monitor is worn for 24-48 hours to capture data continuously. This can detect abnormalities that might not show up during a short ECG.
5. Event Monitor: For even more intermittent issues, there's the event monitor. It's worn longer, sometimes for weeks or until you experience symptoms. When you feel something amiss, you press a button, and it records the data for your doctor to review.
6. Stress Test: You may be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while your heart's electrical activity is monitored. This helps identify irregularities that only occur during physical exertion.
7. Echocardiogram: Using sound waves, an echocardiogram creates a moving image of your heart. This can reveal structural issues or irregularities in the heart's chambers or valves.
8. Blood Tests: These can help identify underlying causes, such as electrolyte imbalances or thyroid problems, that might trigger irregular heart beats.
9. Cardiac Catheterization: In more complex cases, a thin tube is threaded through your blood vessels into the heart to get a detailed view and sometimes treat blockages or structural issues.
10. Electrophysiological Study (EPS): This invasive procedure involves the insertion of catheters with electrodes into the heart to identify the exact location of arrhythmias and determine the best treatment options.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can range from lifestyle changes and medications to more advanced interventions like catheter ablation or implanting devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. Your healthcare team will tailor the approach to your specific condition and needs.
Remember, getting a proper diagnosis is the first step toward managing irregular heart beats and ensuring your heart's health. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the best guidance tailored to your situation.